this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2024
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[–] [email protected] 14 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Yup, I'm looking at used EVs to replace my commuter (50mpg, so no hurry), and they come with a bunch of smart crap, so I'm looking at ways to block any potential phoning home before I buy the car.

It's dumb. Just give me an EV with 150-200 miles range with no smart crap for $20k and I'll buy it.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I don’t know what telematics the Leaf had, but you’re describing what Nissan tried to do with that

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

Neither do I, and that's concerning. Here's their privacy policy:

Connected Vehicle Data

If you have a connected vehicle, your vehicle may be equipped with NissanConnect Services, which electronically transmits data generated by your vehicle. This information could include data collected in the context of a trial period or demonstration mode. Through these services, we may obtain vehicle and driving information, such as:

  • Vehicle operation – including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Precise Geolocation and navigation information, speed and distance information, driving behavior, EV battery information (including use management, charging history and performance), electrical system functions, diagnostic trouble codes, maintenance conditions, software version information, and similar data
  • Vehicle usage – your use of the vehicle’s functions and some corresponding services, websites and smartphone applications
  • Vehicle status – information about door locks, open doors, engine status, etc.
  • Vehicle safety – data about certain accidents involving the vehicle (for example, the direction from which the vehicle was hit, and which air bags have deployed)

I don't know if NissanConnect is optional (looks like it is?), or if it's "optional," as in you need to accept to access core car features, like setting battery charge limits, redeeming a warranty, or accessing diagnostics. But I know the capability exists and I'd really like to have guarantees, as in, can I block Nissan from remotely accessing my vehicle? If not, can I remove the module without impacting other functions of the car?

But it's really hard (at least in my few minutes of searching) to figure out what privacy concerns there are and what options I have to deal with it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (1 children)

It’s an industry wide problem for sure. Whatever politician takes that up will get huge votes.

My EV is likely one of the worst offenders l, but they’re all offenders

When I looked into similar for my 1996 Pontiac, it was already a concern, and it’s gotten much worse

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

I looked into it a bit, and it looks like Chevy's OnStar should be easy to remove (just a circuit board behind the dash). It's ridiculous that I need to go through this though, I should be able to just turn it off and it would be off...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Yes. Preferably an option in the form of a small single cab pickup truck with a full size bed.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

Yeah, I would probably buy that. I currently use my minivan for must "truck" things, but neither my wife or I like driving it, and we can't just get a load of mulch or whatever.

So yeah, something like the old Ford ranger would be awesome.